D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar"

By Maximillian Muhammad

First off...refreshing to see composed, written, arranged, produced and performed by D'angelo. Not since Prince and Stevie Wonder have I seen that. They're the two primary artists who have influenced D'angelo; the others include Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and, going by his great remake of "Cruisin," Smokey Robinson. His main instrument is organ, which is obvious after listening to the title track; it's haunting intro and tribute to refer gets wrapped around you tight. "Brown Sugar" sounds like nothing else out two years ago nor now. That's genius on the rise. "Lady" is smoothed out, but it's unfair to label the feel of his cuts. They have a mind all to themselves.

The baddest cut is the one with the twisted plot (unless maybe you're in the joint and you've been there), "Shit, Damn, Motherfuker." Put yourself in that scene: What would you do? Cuts like "Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine" and "Alright" keep the flow of the picture consistent. He's in his element. It's not exactly a fresh can of Glade, but it's straight from his environment.

He's gonna be huge if he continues to explore, 'cuz he can definitely write and play from his heart and soul. You hear all the influences, but by the fifth album, watch who'll be doing his style! And the best thing is that though he's successful, he's not over-blown, which means he'll likely be around for some time. From the vibe of this record, he could easily make and create as many albums as his musical heroes.